Good news for fans: PM allows spectators for PSL playoffs, final

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved public attendance for Pakistan Super League (PSL) playoff matches and the final, ending uncertainty over crowd participation for the tournament’s climax, the head of the country’s cricket board said on Monday.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said on social media platform X that PM Sharif had first been inclined to restrict spectators due to nationwide austerity and fuel-saving measures, but later approved attendance following a request from franchise owners.

“I had requested the prime minister to allow spectators in stadiums,” Naqvi said, adding that fans would be allowed in all three playoff matches as well as the final.

Naqvi said the approval for playoffs came after a meeting with the prime minister, who also urged the public to minimise fuel consumption and use public transport when attending matches as part of ongoing cost-cutting efforts.

The PSL final, part of the league’s 11th edition, is scheduled for May 3 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

Naqvi said the prime minister extended his best wishes to all four teams competing in the playoffs, expressing hope for “exciting and entertaining cricket.”

The PCB did not immediately provide details on ticket allocations or crowd management arrangements for the matches.